Acupuncture Helps Neck Pain; Massage Benefits Unclear

Ivanhoe Newswire
Monday, August 21, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Acupuncture can offer chronic neck pain sufferers effective relief, while whether massage helps or not is unclear, according to researchers conducting a review of studies.

Researchers from Canada report, however, that acupuncture does not "cure" neck pain and the benefits seem to be short-lived -- only a few weeks or months. They do add that the effects of acupuncture have "important clinical treatment benefits."

They also report for some patients with mechanical neck disorders acupuncture may be the best treatment, while different options may be better for others. This, however, has not been proven.

Many people have preconceived notions about alternative therapies, according to study investigators. They report people tend to believe acupuncture is ineffective, while massage is helpful. However, their findings suggest the opposite is closer to the truth.

Ten percent of men and 17 percent of women report neck pain that lasts longer than six months, according to a study cited in the review.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2006;3